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Street closures are marked in red. Parking bans from Dec. 27 to Jan. 1 are colored in black. Jan. 1 parking bans are indicated in purple.

By Matt Rocheleau, Boston.com Staff

Some Boston streets will be closed to traffic -- and parking will be banned on others -- New Year’s Eve for the city’s annual First Night festivities.

City officials said they encourage people traveling in and around the city to use public transit, including the MBTA, which will offer free rides after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, as well as some extra service.

The following streets will be closed to vehicles:

Boylston Street, from Massachusetts Avenue to Tremont Street, from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31

Charles Street, from Park Plaza to Beacon Street, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 31

Dartmouth Street, from St. James Avenue to Boylston Street, from 12 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. on Jan. 1

Atlantic Avenue, from Milk Street to Cross Street, from 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1

Parking bans will be in effect from Friday, Dec. 27 through Wednesday, Jan. 1 at the following locations, which will be marked with “Tow Zone No Stopping” signs:

Blagden Street, Copley Square Library side, at the first two parking meters adjacent to Dartmouth Street.

Parking bans will be in effect on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at the following locations, which will be marked with “Tow Zone No Stopping” signs:

Arlington Street, both sides, from Beacon Street to Boylston Street

Atlantic Avenue, east side, from East India Row to Commercial Street, and west side, from Commercial Wharf to Cross Street

Beacon Street, Public Garden side, from Charles Street to Arlington Street, and, both sides, from Charles Street to Walnut Street

Berkeley Street, both sides, from Boylston Street to Newbury Street

Boylston Street, both sides, from Dalton Street to Arlington Street, north side, Public Garden side, from Arlington Street to Charles Street, and, both sides, from Charles Street to Tremont Street. (*Note the Friday through Wednesday restriction for a portion of Boylston Street as well.)